Before you start to think that I made a goof and rated two movies #94 in a row, there has been an addition made to the list.  So while at one point this was #93, it has been moved to #94 and The Departed (which was #100) has been officially knocked off of the list.  Sorry Marty, although I am sure that you aren’t too insulted.  Now on to the review…

You probably aren’t going to find too many sappy love stories in my top 100, and this may actually be the only one.  For whatever reason, Love with the Proper Stranger is one of my all time favorites.  I suppose that much if it has to do with the lead actors, Natalie Wood and Steve McQueen.  To this day I say that Natalie Wood is the hottest actress ever.  She may not have been the best actress out there but she charms the pants off of you in every role she plays.  Twenty eight years after his death, McQueen is still considered the model of what cool is and actors continue to attempt and mostly fail to copy his persona. 

McQueen plays Rocky, a sometimes employed jazz musician who lives day to day and from what we can tell, woman to woman.  Wood plays Angie, a Macy’s store clerk who lives with her Italian family and has bigger dreams for herself than anyone else has for her.  The film begins with Angie seeking out Rocky to let him know that she is pregnant with his child.  The child was conceived during a one night romp and at first Rocky hardly remembers who she is.  Angie comes from a strict Italian family who wouldn’t approve of this pre-marital activity, so she asks Rocky to help her find a doctor that will perform an (illegal at the time) abortion and help pay for it.  This storyline wouldn’t make any waves today, but back in 1963 (ten years before Roe V. Wade) you can imagine it probably wasn’t the easiest movie to get the green light.  While the movie doesn’t take an absolute stand on whether or not abortion should be legal, the scene where Angie goes to get the procedure done is intense and shows the dangers of illegal abortions.  If people are going to get them done anyway, why not make them safe?

Even with the serious backdrop the film it is probably still considered more of a romantic comedy than drama.  Case in point, the other romantic interest for Angie is played by Tom Bosley.  Yes, that Tom Bosley; the guy who played Mr. Cunningham on Happy Days.  That must have been a tough decision for her; Steve McQueen or Mr. C?  The third act does dip a bit, but how often do you find a romantic comedy with such great actors that seriously tackles social issues of the time.  McQueen and Wood have great chemistry and you find yourself rooting for both of them.  Wood is so adorable in this movie; you can’t take your eyes off of her.  Don’t be afraid guys, I am not a romantic and really did love this movie.   Pick it up for a movie night with your girlfriend or wife, you’ll both enjoy it.  It’s not out on DVD yet, but I read that it will be shortly.  You can find it on VHS and it pops up on TCM or AMC from time to time.